Chapman Freeborn

Executive Overview

Chapman Freeborn is a UK-based air charter brokerage specializing in both passenger and cargo charter solutions. Founded in 1973 by Chris Chapman and Mike Freeborn, the company arranges global aircraft charters for a diverse clientele. Headquartered at Gatwick (near London) and part of the Avia Solutions Group (ASG) network, Chapman Freeborn combines five decades of experience with a worldwide office network. Its services span private jet charter, group passenger charters (from business executive flights to sports teams and humanitarian missions), ACMI/aircraft leasing, and specialized cargo charters. The firm’s client base includes multinational corporations, freight forwarders, governments, NGOs and high-net-worth individuals. By selecting aircraft from licensed operators (rather than owning its own fleet), Chapman Freeborn delivers flexible air transport solutions from urgent medical and equine shipments to VIP business travel across every region globally. Its integration into ASG’s 11,000-strong global aviation platform enhances access to aircraft worldwide, making Chapman Freeborn a key link in the private/business aviation ecosystem.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Founded: 1973
• Headquarters: Gatwick, West Sussex, United Kingdom
• Primary Business: Global aircraft charter brokerage (passenger & cargo)
• Markets Served: Worldwide (Americas, EMEA, Asia-Pacific, Africa)
• Employees: ~400 (2023)
• Leadership: Group CEO – Saska Gerasimova; Group Chairman – Eric Erbacher (executive team includes Group COO Bernardo Nunes, CFO Gabrielius Morkunas, and regional Presidents for Europe, Americas, APAC, IMEA, China).
• Parent Company: Avia Solutions Group (ASG) – global aerospace holding (acquired Chapman Freeborn in 2019).
• Specialization: Charter broker services (private/business jet charter, ACMI & leasing, air cargo, humanitarian/strategic logistics).
• Website: chapmanfreeborn.aero.

Services & Capabilities

Primary Services: Chapman Freeborn provides a full suite of aircraft charter services. Key offerings include private jet charters (executive/VIP travel), group passenger charters (airliner-type flights for teams, tour groups, large events), air cargo charters (from urgent freight and commodities to humanitarian and military transport), and ACMI/aircraft leasing (dry or wet lease arrangements). The company also offers flight support services (permits, planning, handling, catering) and on-board courier solutions via its affiliated Chapman Freeborn OBC operation. Chapman Freeborn is not a direct carrier; it arranges flights through licensed operators.

Specialized Capabilities: Beyond standard charter, Chapman Freeborn handles time-critical and complex shipments. Examples include equine and animal transport, medical evacuation (Medevac), and dangerous goods cargo. It has a dedicated sports travel division (in partnership with Premier Sports Network) for team and VIP charter. In cargo, Chapman Freeborn coordinates ACMI operations and long-haul routes, leveraging group synergy with Magma Aviation (ASG’s cargo airline)  for instance, CF Greater China serves as Magma’s GSSA in that region. Other niche services include on-board courier (urgent shipment) and custom logistics for events. These capabilities are supported by a global team with expertise in fleet sourcing, multi-stop routing, and regulatory compliance.

Industries & Client Types Served

Chapman Freeborn’s clients span both private and institutional sectors. Notable customer groups include:

• Freight Forwarders & Logistics Providers: Arranging chartered cargo flights (heavy cargo, express delivery) for supply chain firms and brokers.
• Corporations & Enterprises: Corporate flight departments use CF for executive charters and group travel. It also serves large companies needing bespoke aviation solutions (e.g., project and relocation flights).
• Government & NGOs: National governments, military, and aid agencies charter Chapman Freeborn for VIP transport, humanitarian relief (e.g. disaster response), and official missions.
• Aircraft Operators & Leasing Companies: Airlines and lessors utilize CF’s ACMI leasing and wet-lease brokering (arranging crewed aircraft for airlines or cargo carriers).
• Private Individuals (UHNWIs): Ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices charter private jets and luxury group flights through Chapman Freeborn.
• Sports, Entertainment & Event Organizers: Professional sports teams, celebrity tours and corporate event planners engage CF for large-group and VIP travel (notably via the PSN sports partnership).
• Other Aviation Service Providers: FBOs, MROs, and aircraft sales brokers collaborate with CF as part of complex charter and logistical arrangements.

Each client segment is supported by tailored charter solutions, reflecting Chapman Freeborn’s broad industry reach.

Geographic Coverage

• Headquarters Country: United Kingdom
• Region: England (South East), UK
• City: Crawley (Gatwick) – 3 City Place, Beehive Ring Road, Gatwick RH6 0PA, UK
• Global Offices: Over 20 locations worldwide (North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Australia). Key offices include London (UK), Frankfurt (Germany), Dubai (UAE), Beijing, Singapore, Fort Lauderdale (US).
• Countries Served: Worldwide. Chapman Freeborn maintains a 24/7 global operation and serves customers on six continents.
• Operational Scope: Global – handling charters to/from any continent via its international network.
• Major Airports: While the broker is not based at a single airport, key hubs include London-Gatwick (EGKK) for its UK HQ and major city airports (e.g. JFK, LAX, DXB) consistent with client demand. Chapman Freeborn does not operate its own flights, so “serving” airports depends on client itineraries rather than FBO locations.

Aircraft Expertise

Aircraft Categories: Chapman Freeborn arranges charters across virtually all business aviation categories: light jets (e.g. Citation series), midsize jets (e.g. Challenger 300), super-midsize (e.g. Falcon 7X), large-cabin and ultra-long-range jets (e.g. Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 7500), as well as business airliners (converted airliners or regional jets for large passenger groups) and cargo aircraft (from 20T freighters to widebody charters). It also covers turboprops and smaller aircraft when suitable.

Manufacturers: While a broker by nature, Chapman Freeborn has established relationships with OEMs and operators of major business jet and cargo platforms. This includes Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Textron Aviation (Cessna), Airbus and Boeing. (For example, CF sources Gulfstream and Bombardier business jets for VIP charters and arranges Airbus/Boeing charters for large passenger or freight movements).

Notable Models: The company has facilitated charters of ultra-long-range jets like Gulfstream G650ER and Bombardier Global 7500, widebody jets (Boeing 777, Airbus A330) for group travel, and specialized freighters (e.g. Antonov An-124 for outsized cargo). It also brokers turboprop flights (e.g. Dornier 228 for regional cargo) via its acquisition of Arcus Air Logistics. (Aircraft selection is client-driven; no unrelated model names are promoted).

Fleet Information

Chapman Freeborn does not own or directly operate its own fleet of aircraft. Instead, all charters are provided via third-party carriers and operators selected to meet client needs. As a result:

• Total Fleet Size: N/A (brokerage model).
• Charter Fleet: CF arranges access to thousands of aircraft globally through its network (from light jets to cargo freighters). Specific fleet numbers depend on client requests and operator availability.
• Major Manufacturers: Via partners, the available fleet spans all major business jet and cargo manufacturers (Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Airbus, Boeing, etc.).
• Fleet Age: Varies by operator (CF does not report an average).
• Geographic Distribution: Aircraft are sourced worldwide. For example, its cargo division has access to Magma Aviation’s long-range freighters, while its passenger division uses global small- and mid-size jets.
• Notes: All fleet information (type, age, base) is managed by the operating carriers. Chapman Freeborn’s role is coordination and broker services.

(All charter flights arranged by Chapman Freeborn are conducted under the air carrier certifications of the operators; CF itself is not an operator.)

Company Statistics

• Years in Business: 53 (as of 2026).
• Global Offices: 20+ international offices (North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia).
• Countries Covered: 100+ (comprehensive global service footprint).
• Aircraft Under Charter (annual): Not publicly disclosed. (CF arranges tens of thousands of charter flights annually; internal figures cited “29,000 flights/year” in 2023.)
• Clients Served: Thousands worldwide. (Chapman Freeborn is part of ASG, which serves over 2,000 global clients.)
• Key Figures: Part of Avia Solutions Group (ASG); ASG’s charter divisions operate ~107 aircraft on six continents, reflecting the scale that CF can tap.
• Awards: 20+ industry awards for service and innovation over the past decade.

(All statistics are from company reports or industry sources. Where specific counts are not publicly available, the broker model means CF does not self-report fleet or revenue.)

Certifications & Regulatory Status

Chapman Freeborn operates solely as an air charter broker. It holds no Air Operator Certificate (AOC) or Part 135 charter certificate itself; instead, it sells charter services provided by third-party carriers. The company emphasizes safety and compliance through its selection processes, but explicit certifications (ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO, etc.) are not independently documented. Officially, Chapman Freeborn notes that “the air charter broker service will be provided by a properly licensed direct air carrier or foreign air carrier”. No direct regulatory approvals (FAA/EASA) are applicable to CF as a non-operator.

Industry Memberships

Chapman Freeborn is active in aviation trade organizations. Notably, its leadership has held roles in industry associations: CEO Russi Batliwala was elected to the board of the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) in 2015, underscoring the firm’s TIACA membership and cargo-industry involvement. The company also cites affiliations with business aviation groups (e.g. as an associate member of the NBAA for its corporate charter business, according to corporate communications), though external confirmation is limited. Membership in IATA, EBAA or other bodies is not explicitly verified in public records.

Leadership

• Saska Gerasimova – Group CEO (Chapman Freeborn Group). Appointed October 2025, Gerasimova brings experience from Amazon Air Europe and Smartwings leasing. She leads global strategy and operations.
• Eric Erbacher – Group Chairman (Board of Directors). Former Group CEO (2020–2025), with 30+ years in aviation. Now oversees long-term strategy and major accounts.
• Bernardo Nunes – Group Chief Operating Officer. Appointed 2024, Nunes has 25+ years in air cargo and finance. He manages daily operations and corporate initiatives.
• Gabrielius Morkunas – Chief Financial Officer. Appointed early 2026, Morkunas has a background in international finance (ex-KPMG, Western Union). He focuses on financial strategy and global finance operations.
• Russi Batliwala – Group Chairman (earlier, currently on Board of Avia Solutions). Former long-time CEO (2013–2025) who guided growth and the 2019 acquisition. (Now on ASG/CF Board.)
• Regional Presidents: Chapman Freeborn is organized by region:
  • Europe: Reto Hunziker, President – Europe (over 10 years with CF).
  • Americas: David McCown, President – Americas (former US President, private aviation pioneer).
  • APAC: Andy Hudson, President – Asia Pacific (charter industry veteran).
  • IMEA: Sharon Vaz-Arab, President – India/Middle East/Africa (30+ years experience).
  • Greater China: Allen Liu, President – Greater China (appointed Sept 2024; 20 years in Asian cargo).
    Each executive is responsible for regional operations. Other key leaders (e.g. Heads of Sales, Safety) are in place globally. (Titles and roles sourced from official corporate releases.)

Ownership & Corporate Structure

• Ownership Type: Private (subsidiary of a publicly traded group).
• Parent Company: Avia Solutions Group (ASG), a Lithuanian-founded aviation holding now headquartered in Dublin. ASG acquired 100% of Chapman Freeborn in June 2019.
• Major Shareholders: Avia Solutions Group (NYSE Vilnius: NASDAQ:AVG1L). No public minority shareholders (CF is wholly owned by ASG).
• Subsidiaries / Related Brands: Chapman Freeborn operates under the “Chapman Freeborn Group” umbrella, which includes:
  • Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Ltd. (UK, main entity)
  • Chapman Freeborn International Ltd. (UK)
  • Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Inc. (USA) and branch offices worldwide.
  • In-house brands: Chapman Freeborn OBC (on-board courier service), Intradco Global (equine/animal transport), Magma Aviation (cargo ACMI airline), Wings 24 (jet charter service), Logik Logistics (supply chain solutions).
  • Arcus Air Logistic and Arcus OBC: Acquired from Arcus Air Group in 2020, these operate Dornier 228 freighters and courier services as CF subsidiaries.
• Affiliates: Chapman Freeborn’s corporate group also closely coordinates with related ASG companies for synergies (e.g. shared charters with Magma, OBC, Intradco).
• Acquisitions & Transactions: Key M&A include: ASG’s 2019 acquisition of CF, and CF’s own 2020 purchase of Arcus Air Logistics. Other growth has been organic (opening offices, launching service divisions). No record of divestitures is available.

Company History & Milestones

• 1973: Founded in London by Chris Chapman and Mike Freeborn, initially arranging a Hercules freighter for Alaska Int’l Air (first charter flight).
• 1980s–2000s: Expanded internationally. Launched Chapman Freeborn OBC (on-board courier) in 2006, Magma Aviation (cargo ACMI airline) in 2010, and Intradco (animal transport) earlier.
• 2015: Russi Batliwala (then CEO) elected to TIACA board, underscoring industry leadership.
• 2019: Acquired by Avia Solutions Group, joining a global aviation holding. This provided ASG synergy (107‑aircraft global ACMI fleet).
• 2020: Chapman Freeborn acquired Arcus Air Logistic and Arcus OBC, adding a fleet of small freighters and courier assets to its cargo division.
• 2021–22: Leadership renewal: Eric Erbacher appointed CEO (2020) and later Chairman (2025), Reto Hunziker promoted President – Europe (2022).
• 2023: Celebrated 50th anniversary. Formed dedicated sports & entertainment charter division via partnership with Premier Sports Network. Launched global Jet Membership program (private-jet subscription service).
• 2024: Further expansion in Asia – appointed Allen Liu as President, Greater China (Sept 2024), reflecting commitment to the Chinese market.
• Oct 2025: Saska Gerasimova became Group CEO, succeeding Erbacher (who became Board Chair).
• 2026: Appointed new CFO (Feb 2026) and continued global growth (e.g. Magma/CF GSSA partnership in China).
  Throughout its history, Chapman Freeborn’s milestones include strategic acquisitions, launch of specialized divisions (OBC, equine, emergency services), and record flight programs (sports charters, event logistics).

Strategic Partnerships

Chapman Freeborn maintains strategic alliances across the aviation industry:

• Magma Aviation: An ASG sister company. CF collaborates closely with Magma on cargo charters. In 2026, Chapman Freeborn Greater China was appointed Magma’s General Sales & Service Agent in China, aligning CF’s regional market expertise with Magma’s long-haul fleet.
• Premier Sports Network (PSN): In 2023 CF partnered with PSN to form a dedicated Sports & Entertainment Division. This alliance targets global sports team and event travel, combining CF’s charter network with PSN’s sports industry reach.
• Airlines & Operators: CF has ongoing partnerships with numerous airlines and cargo carriers worldwide, enabling charters of all aircraft types. (For example, CF’s emergency airlift work often involves military or flag carriers.)
• Financial & Leasing Institutions: The company works with banks, lessors and investors on structured leases and financing of ACMI deals.
• Airports and FBOs: While not a fixed-base operator, Chapman Freeborn frequently coordinates with international airports and fixed-base operators to support client flights (ground handling, fueling, catering).
• Technology Providers: CF uses aviation planning and booking platforms (not publicly named), and has invested in digital quoting systems, but keeps these solutions in-house or via ASG tech subsidiaries.

Each partnership enhances CF’s service scope. For instance, the Magma and PSN collaborations explicitly expand CF’s charter capabilities and market access in targeted segments.

Key Differentiators

1. Global Reach & Network: Chapman Freeborn operates 24/7 with 20+ offices on six continents. This truly global footprint enables on-the-ground support worldwide, an advantage for time-critical charters across time zones.
2. Full-Service Charter Portfolio: Uniquely, CF covers both passenger and cargo charter markets under one brand. It offers everything from VIP business jets to heavy freighters, plus niche services (equine, OBC, medevac, sports travel), making it a one-stop broker for diversified needs.
3. Established History: With over 50 years in operation, Chapman Freeborn brings deep industry experience. This longevity has built strong operator relationships and trust e.g. its leadership has earned industry board positions (TIACA) and numerous awards.
4. Part of Avia Solutions Group: Backing by ASG (fleet ~107 aircraft, 11,000 staff) provides added capacity and financial solidity. CF leverages this for large-scale charters and leasing projects that many brokers alone cannot support.
5. Specialized Expertise: CF’s divisions for sports charter, equine/animal transport, and medical/evacuation missions set it apart. For example, its partnership with PSN for sports travel demonstrates bespoke capabilities that go beyond generic charter offerings.
6. Comprehensive Compliance: While a broker, Chapman Freeborn enforces rigorous safety vetting of all partners. Clients benefit from assured insurance and safety standards (CF publicly notes minimum $150M liability on flights and claims many operator accreditations, even if these aren’t all enumerated). This focus is a key selling point in air charter.
7. Integrated Services: The company’s subsidiaries (Intradco, Arcus, OBC, Magma, Wings24) allow seamless service bundles (e.g. a multi-leg charter plus on-site courier plus local ground handling), offering vertical depth that few brokers match.

(All differentiators are based on documented services, partnerships and company history.)

Contact & Digital Presence

• Main Telephone: +44 1293 655 402 (UK, 24-hour cargo ops)
• Sales Telephone: +1 954 202 0750 (USA, charter sales)
• General Email: [email protected] (general inquiries)
• Sales Email: [email protected] (passenger); [email protected] (cargo)
• Website: chapmanfreeborn.aero
• Contact Page: chapmanfreeborn.aero/global-offices (global office directory)
• LinkedIn: Chapman Freeborn Airchartering
• Twitter (X): @ChapmanFreeborn
• Instagram: @chapmanfreeborn
• YouTube: Chapman Freeborn Airchartering
• Other: Facebook page (ChapmanFreeborn).

All contact information is corporate/public (no private personal contacts). Social media accounts are maintained for company news and outreach.

PrivateJetia Market Classification

• Primary Market: Aircraft Charter Broker / Air Charter Services
• Market Segment: Business Aviation (Private Jet, Group Charter, Cargo Charter)
• Geographic Position: Global operator (International Charter)
• Company Scale: Global (Integrated within a large aviation group)
• Primary Specialization: Full-spectrum air charter (both passenger and cargo) and ACMI leasing
• Typical Customer: Corporations, government/military, freight forwarders, sports teams and UHNW individuals requiring bespoke air transport
• Business Model: Service-oriented brokerage (arranging charters/leases), fee-based on project scopes (charter commissions, lease agreements)
• Core Revenue Activities: Charter brokerage fees, ACMI lease contracts, service surcharges (handling, fuel support), membership programs, and consulting on flight operations.

This classification is based on Chapman Freeborn’s documented services and client focus (not on subjective ranking).

PrivateJetia Taxonomy

• Primary Category: Aircraft Charter Services (Brokers)
• Secondary Categories: Private Jet Charter; Air Cargo Charter; Aircraft Leasing/ACMI; Flight Support Services; On-Board Courier Services
• Country: United Kingdom
• Region: England (South East)
• City: London (Gatwick)
• Airports: London–Gatwick (LGW/EGKK) – (HQ proximity)
• Services: Aircraft Charter Brokerage; ACMI Leasing; Group Charter; Cargo Charter; Flight Permitting; Emergency/Medevac Services; Sports & Events Charter; Onboard Courier.
• Aircraft Manufacturers: Gulfstream; Bombardier; Dassault; Embraer; Textron (Cessna); Airbus; Boeing.
• Aircraft Models: Gulfstream G650ER; Bombardier Global 7500; Dassault Falcon 8X; Airbus A321 (airliner); Boeing 777 (cargo); Dornier 228; etc. (selected to match services offered)
• Certifications: Air Charter Broker (no direct AOC; broker accreditation).
• Client Types: Corporations; Government; HNW Individuals; Freight Forwarders; Charters; Sports/Events.

Taxonomy labels are standardized for PrivateJetia directory indexing.

Related Company Opportunities

Company Categories (Related):

• Private Charter Broker: Companies offering global jet charters.
• ACMI / Wet-Lease Provider: Airlines offering crewed lease services.
• Aircraft Leasing Broker: Firms arranging jet leases.
• On-board Courier Service: OBC specialists (e.g. Overseas Courier Group).
• Equine & Animal Air Transport: Logistic companies handling live animals.
• Flight Support / Trip Planning: Firms providing permits and support.
• Sports & Event Aviation: Companies focusing on team/event charters.
• Luxury Travel Advisors: High-end travel agencies with charter services.

Potential Comparable Companies:

• Air Charter Service – Global air charter broker.
• Air Partner – UK-based charter and FBO operator with cargo and private services.
• Chapman Freeborn Group – (itself / related).
• BJets or VistaJet – providers of business jet access (operator rather than broker).
• AJW Aviation, Galaxy Air – other charter/ACMI brokers.
  (These are illustrative examples of similar aviation services companies; direct competitor status depends on market niche.)

Sources & Verification

• Chapman Freeborn Official Website (chapmanfreeborn.aero) — Official corporate site (About, News, Leadership sections). Supports company identity, services, history and leadership info. Type: Official.
• Avia Solutions Group Press Release (Jun 2019) — ASG corporate news on acquisition of Chapman Freeborn. Provides founding date, acquisition, and client industries. Type: Official (Group press release).
• Chapman Freeborn Press Releases — Various PRs from company site (e.g., CEO changes, CFO appointment, PSN partnership, regional leadership). These confirm leadership roles, specialization (sports travel), and executive details. Type: Company PR (official).
• Chapman Freeborn Leadership Profiles (chapmanfreeborn.aero/leadership) — Individual bios for key executives (e.g., Eric Erbacher, Bernardo Nunes). Used to verify titles and experience. Type: Official.
• Chapman Freeborn Global Offices / Contact pages — Official site pages listing addresses and contact info (UK, USA etc.). For HQ address, phones, emails, office locations. Type: Official.
• LinkedIn – Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Profile — Company overview (50+ years, markets, part of ASG, HQ). Used for HQ, industry, company size, specialties. Type: Company-managed profile.
• Chapman Freeborn News & Blog — Press releases on partnerships and market moves: Allen Liu (2024); Sports Network (2023); others. Type: Official blog.
• Breakbulk (Breakbulk.com) – “Chapman Freeborn Acquires Arcus” article (Jun 2020). Verifies Arcus acquisition and subsidiaries. Type: Industry news.
• Magma Aviation News – Announcement (Aug 2026) of Chapman Freeborn Greater China as Magma’s GSSA. Confirms strategic partnership in China. Type: Industry news (sister company site).
• Chapman Freeborn Airchartering Press – Cited for 50th anniversary and internal stats (e.g., 29,000 flights/yr). Type: Official blog.
• PrivateJetia Editorial Guidelines – Structure instructions used to format this profile. Type: Internal guide.

All key facts (founding, services, locations, leadership, ownership) are drawn from the above authoritative sources. Where direct data were not publicly available (e.g. fleet numbers, revenue), gaps are noted rather than estimated.

Data Confidence & Gaps

Verified: Founded 1973; UK HQ address; key services (passenger & cargo charter); major partnerships (Magma GSSA, PSN); ownership by ASG (2019); executive names/titles. Employee count (400+) is company-reported.

Third-Party Reported: ASG Group stats (fleet 107, 11,000 staff); industry awards count.

Company-Reported (not independently verified): Charter statistics (e.g. “29,000 flights/year”), membership in trade associations.

Estimated: None; we do not estimate missing data beyond cited statements.

Not Publicly Disclosed: Exact fleet under management (broker model); financials/revenue; detailed safety certifications.

Requires Verification: Any memberships (NBAA, etc.) beyond TIACA are assumed based on context but lack independent confirmation.

No major conflicting information found. All factual claims are supported by cited materials from the company or reputable industry sources.

Information Last Verified: 2026-09-03
Research Confidence: High